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Triathlon Gear for Beginners
Feb 9th
All of you experienced triathletes may laugh at this understatement… the sport of triathlon can get expensive. Training for a tri can add up quickly, but you can get to the start line without breaking the bank. We consulted the triathlon gear + service specialists at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles for their expert advice about the best gear for beginners. They know their stuff! Get to know them here.
First, a few things to consider.
1. Be honest about your level of commitment. Is triathlon something you see yourself doing for many years to come? Or is a triathlon race just something you’re crossing of your bucket list? Your level of commitment to the sport might be a good indicator as to how much you should invest in equipment and gear.
2. Work with what you have. No need to buy a new bike just because you’re riding it in a triathlon. For your first race, you can adapt your mountain bike to be more road-friendly by having the nubby tires replaced with slicks. Or ask a friend to borrow their road or tri bike and helmet.
3. Buy what you need now, reward yourself with upgrades later. Want a fancy tri bike or aero helmet? Set milestones and reward yourself with new gear when you reach those goals. In your first few seasons, you’ll quickly learn which brands and types of gear you like and dislike. Feel things out until you are really know what YOU need to perform well, be comfortable, and have a successful season. There are endless ways to spend money on gear, but just keep in mind… As awesome as it would be to race your first sprint distance triathlon in the TYR Hurricane Freak of Nature Wetsuit, it’s just not necessary.
4. Spend where it counts. Spending money on making sure your bike fits properly, bike maintenance and repairs, the correct running shoes for you — these purchases make a HUGE difference in your tri life. Costly upgrades (any thing with the word “aero” or “carbon fiber” as a descriptor) won’t help you much until you reach higher levels of racing and personal performance. The pros at Jack and Adam’s or your local tri shop are happy to give you honest advice to help you figure it all out.
The Necessities
- Swim suit
- Swim cap
- Goggles
- Wetsuit (optional, depends on water temperature)
- Bike
- Helmet
- Tri top
- Tri (cycling) shorts
- Cycling shoes (optional, but HIGHLY recommended for longer distances)
- Clipless Pedals (again optional, but HIGHLY recommended for longer distances)
- Race belt
- Running shoes (Easy Laces optional)
- Flat repair kit
- Water bottle(s)
Buying the gear is the easy part.
The pros at Jack and Adam’s make it especially easy. Walk into Jack and Adam’s Bicycles on Barton Springs Road, and walk out with literally everything you need to do your first triathlon. The complete Rookie Package starts at $1,080 (upgrades available) and includes free bike fit, 100 mile check up, and 2 free tune-ups. Plus, their knowledgeable staff can give you all sorts of advice and recommendations – they even offer 4 free workouts every week!
Now that you’re geared up, it’s time to start training! Be sure to visit MyFitList and stay tuned throughout Triathlon Month for information about different training groups, training tips, and gear favorites from triathlon experts in Austin.
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Perk alert! MyFitCard holders get 10% off select purchases at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles! Must present MyFitCard at time of purchase. Excludes bikes, wheels and sale items & cannot be combined with other offers. MyFitCard gives you deals and discounts, like this, at fitness businesses all over town. Get your MyFitCard today!
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Finding the Best Gear for You
Dec 29th
Feeling good while you are working out has a lot to do with how well your gear “functions” and how good you feel while using it. Each sport has its own unique needs as far as gear and equipment. I sat down with Andrea Fisher, co-owner of Hill Country Running Company, to chat about what makes some workout gear better than others and how to shop for gear that will work best for you.
Andrea says when shopping for training equipment, clothing, and shoes it is all about quality. She suggests spending a few extra dollars on a quality brand because you end up “getting more life out of the product, and ultimately better bang for your buck”. She notes that this is especially true when buying higher dollar items like wetsuits, wheels, performance clothing, and specialty running/racing shoes.
If you are in need of running apparel, look for brands such as Sugoi, Brooks, Asics, and CW-X. Andrea carries all of these brands in their stores because she says, “top-of-the-line apparel brands give you the confidence in knowing your shorts or top are going to perform as well as last!”. Need some more specific advice? Andrea’s personal favorites in the running category are the Sugoi Piston Compression Capris (also great for recovery!) and the Brooks HVAC line of running apparel for it’s amazing wicking features.
The importance of quality holds doubly true when shopping for shoes. Andrea recommends steering away from buying your shoes from big box stores, because although it might be the same brand name found in a specialty store, it is important to know that those brand names make cheaper and lower quality shoes specifically to sell at the big box stores at discount prices. Andrea says that the best way to know that you are getting a quality shoe is by shopping at your local running specialty store. She notes that buying a running shoe of higher quality will get you “a better fit and response to your running gait, and ultimately a longer lasting shoe”.
HCRC New North Location on Parmer!
Andrea’s Top Gear Picks:
Not only does Andrea own and operate a local running store and a multisport training company, she is an accomplished, world-class triathlete who has had more than her fair share of experience in training and racing. Here are some of her top gear picks for feeling great while doing what she loves:
Shoes: LUV Brooks for road shoes. La Sportiva and Pearl Izumi for trail shoes.
Clothing: On my bottom Sugoi Piston 200 Capris. Bra – Moving Comfort and Zensah. Top – Brooks HVAC and Asics Favorite Tees.
Bike: I’m old school in that my true heart still beats for my old Le Monde Zurich road bike. Not in production anymore, but still makes me shiver with love everytime I step on to it. Tri bike – Felt and have a thing for an Orbea now.
Wetsuit: Blueseventy
Nutrition: Once a Clif girl, always a Clif girl! I heart everything that Clif puts out, so I can’t even narrow it down to one specific item here!
To find some of the products listed above, be sure to visit Andrea and her highly trained staff at Hill Country Running Company!
Oh, and on top of giving out lots of great advice on training and racing gear, HCRC offers FREE run training groups. See their events calendar for more details on their Weekly Thursday Morning Store Run and the “Learn to run – Love to run” free running programs.